Nepal to pass ordinance on oath soon

It seems the constitutional crisis over swearing in members in the Nepla's Constituent Assembly might be over soon. Since there has been no legal provision to administer the oath, the interim cabinet on Sunday decided to introduce an ordinance in this regard to pave the way for the members.

“The new ordinance would ease the constitutional crisis,” said senior Nepali Congress leader Gopal Man Singh Shrestha. He said the preparations for the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly has started. A draft copy of the ordinance has already been prepared jointly by the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

The first sitting of the constitution is likely to declare Nepal a republic, and turn King Gyanendra and other members of the royal family as a commoner. The royal family will also have to vacate the NaranhityPalace, which has been the citadel of the Shah Dynasty.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chief Prachanda are scheduled to hold consultations on Sunday evening on the political situation and to finalise the process of convening of the Constituent Assembly.